"ENOUGH!" Bellowed Gwaine, no longer standing idle whilst his King was insulted. "You speak of the King!"
Merlin felt the surge of magic in the air and watched as Gwaine was thrown back by the Triple Goddess; his body smashing against the rocks.
The Knights instantly drew their weapons; ready to protect their King.
"On me!" Shouted Arthur having made up his mind - this was going to end in blood shed.
However before any attack was made, the Disir threw a spear directly at the King. Acting on impulse, Merlin threw himself in front of Arthur, taking the direct hit; his body falling to the ground with a heavy thud.
"MERLIN!" Percival and Mordred gathered Merlin by the arms, dragging him away from the Disir, intent on getting out of there as soon as possible. "Pull back!" Keeping his eye on the Disir, Arthur brought up the back of the group, using his sword to block another spear heading directly for them.
Outside the cave Arthur checked on Merlin, feeling for a pulse. "How is he?" Arthur asked Percival who had Merlin draped across his arms.
"We need to get him to Gaius." Percival gulped. They all knew that this was no simple wound; there was magic involved, magic from one of the most ancient and powerful creatures known.
"Mount up! We ride for Camelot!" Arthur announced, knowing that although the journey be long, only Gaius would be able to help Merlin now.
Later that evening when the horses could run no more, the Knights and their King found a place to rest and set up camp. Laying Merlin by the fire, Gwaine kept a close eye on his friend, monitoring his breathing every once in awhile.
"You should get some rest, you took a hit yourself." Arthur advised as he sat next to the Knight. Both pondering how they could get even a moment's sleep when Merlin was on the brink of death.
"I'm fine, it's Merlin I'm worried about. Of all the battles we've been in he's survived but now…"
"He shouldn't have come, it's a miracle he's made it this far." Arthur's muttered, his head in his hands as he contemplated how he could have been so foolish to let a servant enter countless battles, untrained and lacking any form of armour.
"He'd of insisted anyway, that's the way he is, he doesn't think about himself." Throwing a twig into the fire, Gwaine laid back, frustrated he couldn't help his friend.
"No truer words have been spoken. I'll keep an eye on him; as your King I'm ordering you to rest." Slapping Gwaine's arm, Arthur fixed his gaze on Merlin.
"As you wish Sire." Smirking, Gwaine patted the ground and laid his head amongst the forest floor, shutting his eyes."
The night dragged on and on for Arthur; it had been some time since the young King had done a night's watch, only allowing himself a couple of hours rest when Percival insisted he take over.
When dawn came Arthur was only too eager to get back on the saddle and continue heading towards Camelot and hopefully a cure for Merlin.
By mid day they had reached the lower town, racing through the crowds to get Merlin to Gaius. Once they had ridden as far as they could go, Arthur jumped off his horse, gathering Merlin in his arms as quickly as he could and headed straight for the physician's chambers.
"Get Gwenevere!" Arthur shouted to Leon who was hot on his trail.
"This is no ordinary wound." Gaius advised as he dressed a bandage around Merlin's chest."There is magic at play."
"But you can save him...surely." Arthur pleaded, removing his heavy armour and setting it aside.
"I'm but a physician. There are limits to my knowledge."
"But.. there must be something that can be done."Running his fingers through his hair, Arthur sat down on a nearby stool.
"I'm afraid we must prepare ourselves for the worst." Gaius' voice broke, not being able to stomach the thought of losing the boy he thought of as a son.
"I'll go to them, I'll beg them for his life." In that moment Gwen burst into the room and knelt by Merlin's side, resting her palm against his forehead.
"Gaius is there anything that can be done?"
Shaking his head Gaius grabbed hold of Merlin's hand. "Only the Disir can undo their work."
"I'll get the horses ready, I'll set out at once." Picking up his sword Arthur began to gather his things.
"Arthur you mustn't! Send one of the Knights, you're their enemy, they'll kill you on sight!" Gwen pleaded, getting to her feet.
"He won't be travelling alone." Gaius said as he rose from the bench.
"Gai-" Holding his hand up, Gaius paused Arthur.
"No one in Camelot knows more about the Disir than I, I can't help Merlin here but perhaps I can help with the Triple Goddess." Picking up a satchel, Gaius began packing a few belongings. Sensing Arthur's uncertainness, Gaius continued. "He's like a son to me, you must understand I'll do anything to make this right."
Bowing his head, Arthur left the physician's chambers, searching for his stable boy to fetch him two horses.
"I'll look after him." Smiling gently, Gwen applied a cold cloth to Merlin's head, keeping his temperature down best she could.
Knowing he was leaving Merlin in good hands, Gaius continued to pack the few belongings he would be taking with him.
"Arthur… whatever the price, it must be I that pays it, not you." Gaius followed the young King as he led them further into the forest. "You risk too much."
"I'd do the same for any friend. Servants are hard to come by… even bad ones. "
"He'd be touched." Smiled Gaius.
"Merlin saved my life, there is no greater debt and it is I that shall pay it, not you."
As they approached the cave, Arthur laid down his sword, rendering himself defenseless.
"This is one of the most sacred places I have visited in my lifetime."
"Merlin told me it was sacred, yet I ignored his advice. I won't make the same mistake." Taping his sword gently, he continued into the depths of the cave. "Don't tell him I said that."
Chuckling, Gaius followed him inside.
"Arthur Pendragon." Hissed the Disir. "King of Camelot." "We have been expecting you."
Kneeling before the Triple Goddess, Arthur began to plead for Merlin's life. "My men and I behaved with arrogance and stupidity. We dishonored this place and insulted your faith. I humbly beg your forgiveness… One amongst us, Merlin, may yet pay the ultimate price. I've come here to petition you for his life. "
"Why should we help you?" Trusting his gut feeling, Gaius remained silent throughout the exchange.
"I ask not for myself but for a young man. Whose only crime was to sacrifice himself for his King."
"The future holds much pain and suffering for you, Arthur Pendragon, for you and your people. If you wish to save all you hold dear, if you wish to save your kingdom… embrace the Old Religion. Learn her ways. Bow to the Goddess."
Arthur felt his stomach drop, they asked the impossible. "You know I can't do that."
"Consider carefully… you have until dawn."
"I've known you since you were born Arthur and I don't think I've ever seen you collect firewood in all that time." Smiled Gaius as he poked the simmering fire.
"Merlin usually does it. Despite my rank I won't ask you to do such a mundane task, its being a tiring journey." Plonking himself down opposite the fire, Arthur piled on the firewood. "Tell me Gaius, what am I missing? Merlin knew that this place was sacred yet I felt nothing."
"To some it is obvious… everything here is so full of life, every tree, every leaf, every insect. It's as if the world is vibrating… As if everything is much more than itself."
"You feel all that?"
"I do. Tell me Sire, what will you do?" Queried Gaius, attempting to take the desperation away from his voice.
Sighing, the King replied. "I don't know. My heart says do anything I can to save Merlin, but I've seen what misery unfettered sorcery brings. Before my father outlawed magic,as you well know, Camelot was almost destroyed by Sorcery; in my own time, Morgana's used it for nothing but evil."
"What would you do? In my place?"
"I'm just an old man."
"You've seen more than most."
Pausing, Gaius chose his words carefully. "You must protect Camelot however we may disagree on how you can do so." Arthur's eyes latched onto Gaius, eager for him to elaborate. "I don't disagree with you regarding Morgana however magic has saved your life more times than you realise."
"How so?" Asked the young King.
"If the circumstances weren't so perilous you wouldn't be hearing this information from myself, it would be from him. However I fear that if I don't speak now then all will be lost and we will lose not only a loyal friend but the one who holds the fate of this kingdom in the balance."
"I don't understand, how can Merlin-"
"He's protected you from the day you met. There's things that only he can explain but you must understand Sire, he has never had ill intent in his heart, he's driven by destiny; to help you become the once and future King. Merlin was born of magic, he's a warlock, in fact he's the most powerful sorcerer to ever live. But don't for one second compare him to Morgana; she is nothing whereas he is everything."
Moments passed before either said anything to the other.
"You're lying… I would know." Whispered Arthur, struggling to deal with the new information.
"Why would I lie?"
"I need… I need…-" Stumbling he stood up, walking in no particular direction, leaving Gaius to his thoughts by the fire.
The man he had known over the past few years became a stranger within a breath. How could it be so? Merlin a sorcerer. The clumsy fool not so foolish after all according to Gaius. Unsure on how to deal with the revelation, Arthur spent some hours wandering through the forest before returning to a resting Gaius next to the now dwindling fire- his mind made up.
As Gaius watched Arthur walk away, he waited a few moments before entering the cave. Dodging the Ancient Relics and totems he made his way towards the Disir, kneeling before them as he met his destination.
"We know why you are here." "This is Arthur's decision." "His alone." Spoke the Triple Goddess.
"And I presume you know who Merlin is? Who he's destined to be?" Argued Gaius; unable to comprehend their logic.
"He made the decision to save Arthur, no one else but himself and he must face the consequences."
"You're battling the one man who can truly bring back the ways of the Old Religion; the fate of this world depends on him; I strongly advise you to reconsider."
"And does Arthur know of Emrys?"The Disir queried, probing Gaius for answers.'
"He does now."
"Then we know what his answer shall be." And with that, the Disir turned their backs on Gaius, a clear signal that he should leave and only return at dawn.
"Gaius, Gaius… wake up." Shaking the old man awake, Arthur watched as Gaius' weary eyes slowly opened.
"Sire." He greeted the King.
"Come, I know what I must do."
Upon entering the cave, Gaius hung back, letting Arthur approach the Disir.
"You have returned." said one of the hooded figures. "Is your decision made?"
"It is." Gaius held his breath.
"I cannot allow a good man to die. However I've seen too much to allow sorcery to run free within Camelot. With your blessing, I will revoke the laws which outlaw the use of magic and introduce new legislation. Laws that are fair and just, that allow magical users to practise their skills however they will face the same consequences as any other man who plots against my Kingdom, who threatens others and uses their gifts for evil. This will take time to implement but I'm not my father, I don't believe the old ways are as evil as I once thought. But know this, magic will not reign over Camelot, no one single person, man or woman should hold so much power and influence." Glancing towards the Disir, Arthur waited whilst they murmured to each other.
"Arthur Pendragon." "King of Camelot." "We accept your answer. Your path has changed, as has the fate of Camelot." "But be aware." " If you are not true to your word, we will pass the necessary judgement." Bowing their heads, the Triple Goddess slowly stalked backwards, hiding amongst the shadows.
"Thank you." Standing tall, he exited the cave, Gaius fast on his trail.
Deciding his horses had been pushed to the limits of late, Arthur decided to take a slower journey home, passing time with the many questions he had for Gaius; learning much about Merlin's gifts.
"But I thought the Dragon Lords died out with Balinor?"
"That is something for Merlin to discuss with you my Lord."
"...Why didn't he tell me?" Arthur could feel his voice break as he asked the question he most wondered.
"Sire, you're the King of Camelot, your father was the mastermind and executor of the Great Purge. If he had told you before Uther's death then you would've had to lie to your father and your King. By the time you inherited the throne you'd seen to much as you said; he wanted to tell you but what would've changed? He couldn't risk being exiled as both your destinies depended upon Merlin being in Camelot and protecting you... What will you do when we return?"
Gaius hoped that Arthur's good heart would prevail and Merlin be spared the pain of being rejected by his friend; however Arthur had been betrayed over and over again and there was no telling what the young King would do.
"I have yet to decide however I do know that I'll depend upon you for your knowledge and experience regarding magic. It's going to be difficult to pitch this to the Noble families whilst maintaining peace throughout the Kingdom." Steering his horse in the right direction Arthur's concern over his Kingdom's safety and future grew.
"With Merlin by your side you shouldn't fear the impact of lifting the ban; he's known amongst magical folk, they will follow his lead.
"Upon our return, under no circumstance tell anyone of what happened with the Disir nor of Merlin. Not until I've spoken to him." Ignoring Gaius' previous comment, Arthur lead them both into a clearing which provided an epic view of Camelot before continuing onto their journey home.
"Sire! I hoped you looked after Gaius on your travels. He's not as fit as he looks." Joked Merlin as he strode into the council chamber.
"Don't let anyone in until I leave and stand a few strides away from the doors so we can't be overheard." Ordered Arthur to the guards. Bowing their heads they shut the doors with a loud and heavy bang; leaving Arthur and Merlin alone.
"Sire?"
Drawing his sword, he used it to lean against, eyes not being able to meet Merlin's. "I want to hear you say it."
Merlin's breath hitched, uncertain as to what the King was asking. "I'm not sure what you're referring to?"
Anger burst through Arthur's veins, his eyes shot up and in an instant, his blade was pointing towards Merlin, his breathing heavy as he tried to will his pain away. "STOP LYING TO ME. GAIUS TOLD ME WHAT YOU ARE. WHO YOU ARE."
Taking a step back, Merlin felt tears come to his eyes but he forced them not to fall. Pain was felt on every inch of his body, he felt as if his own heart had been pierced as he listened to the agony in Arthur's voice.
"I use it for you, Arthur. Only for you." He failed in holding back his tears; clutching his head, he choked out the words.
The heaving of Arthur's chest slowed, his sword lowering. "Of all the people who have betrayed me Merlin… Morgana, Mordred, Agravaine, even Gwen at one point… never did I think you would." Laughing to himself he continued. "I even stood up to my father and told the entire court that there was no possible way in which you could've been a sorcerer!" Jabbing the floor with his sword he kept his eyes fixed to the floor. "Have you been laughing behind by back all these years? Is that it? Stupid Arthur never cottoning on? Are the rest of the Knights in on it as well ey? Who else is betraying me? I clearly can't judge people, even my own servant has been lying to me."
"Arthur please…" Sniffling, Merlin took a step closer to his King.
"No… Can't you see what you've done? How am I meant to trust anyone now? You were my friend Merlin… throughout all the wars and heartache, you've been by my side...yet now…"
"I still can be! I'm still your friend Arthur. I've used my magic to protect you and this Kingdom, I've kept nothing for myself, I've sacrificed more than you know, all I had was my secret. The secret that protected me from persecution, from going through all this!" Merlins last words hung in the air for a few minutes, both wondering what to say next.
Dropping his sword onto the round table, he pulled out a chair and sat and motioned for Merlin to sit opposite.
"Tell me. I want to hear every last detail; everything you've hidden from me. And then… I will pass my judgement."
With a heavy heart, Merlin began his story, starting with discovering his magic to Will taking the blame for his sorcery. His voice became quieter as he spoke of those he lost, the burden of their deaths weighing heavier each day. He doesn't try and avoid the subject of Freya and her passing despite the painful memory; for once, he was going to tell the king the truth.
"She died by your sword, there was nothing I could do, the wound was too deep; I held her in my arms as she died and held a funeral for her. The following day you were pestering me for information as to why I was so upset… I wanted to tell you Arthur, believe me I did but how could I? You'd just killed the girl I loved and your father was celebrating in her destruction."
Arthur gulped, trying to process everything Merlin was telling him.
He then told the King of how he poisoned Morgana to lift the curse over Camelot and how futher tragedy struck when he discovered who his father was. "When he rejected to help us stop the Great Dragon, I've never felt so defeated and disappointed… my father, a Dragon Lord, refusing to help his son. And then he reappeared and that night I spent with him, talking to him, getting to know him… It was one of the happiest moments of my life… and then he was taken from me." Wiping his tears away, he continued with his stories, scared to stop. He didn't notice Arthur flinch when he told him of how he was poisoned by the Serket's and the danger he placed himself in when he faked enchanting both Arthur and Gwen; hiding their love from Uther. Things were becoming clearer for the King; the warning bell failing to be silenced when they set out to reclaim Camelot and destroy the Cup of Life, why Merlin sacrificed himself to the Dorocha, why he saved the last Dragon's egg, being tortured by Morgana.
"There's something else you should know… about Lancelot… and Gwen."
Hitching his breath, Arthur's eyes met Merlin's at the painful memory; gesturing for him to continue, the King remained silent.
"I found a bracelet in the cell that Gwen was held in… it had been enchanted. It is my belief that Morgana enchanted the bracelet to draw Gwen to Lancelot… of this I am quite certain."
Nodding his head, he put the new information to one side to ponder on another time. He'd already forgiven his Queen, this information didn't change his feelings towards Gwenevere.
When Merlin mentioned how he killed Agravaine, he felt nothing, he felt neither joy nor disdain but he did ponder how one man had managed to have such a heavy burden for so long.
"I'm presuming I didn't really pull the sword from the stone?" Crossing his arms, this annoyed Arthur more than he'd care to admit. His pride was hurt.
"I enchanted it to be released when the Once and Future King attempted to remove it; I placed it there with magic but you freed it and you alone." Merlin let his words sink in before he asked the question he was dying to have answered. "What bargain did you make with the Disir for my life?"
"Merlin, I'm the King, I'm the one who asks questions."
"It's never stopped me before." He joked, attempting to sound like his old self.
Smiling gently, Arthur replied. "That's true, you've never been like a normal servant." Getting up from his chair, Arthur walked across to one of the many windows and looked down at the citadel below. "In exchange for your life, I am to repeal the ban on magic." Leaning against the window frame, Arthur felt the words sink in.
Merlin didn't know how to feel. On one hand he'd have fulfilled his destiny in bringing magic back to Camelot. On the other, with the likes of Morgana on the loose, hell could Camelot could burn to the ground.
"Arthur, I understand you can't forgive me for my sins but you deserve to know the truth… There's a prophecy." Ignoring Arthur's scoff, he continued. "You're to die by Mordred's hand."
"Mordred." Repeated the King, dumbfounded how this prophecy could come to pass.
"It is said that there will be an alliance between himself and Morgana. With Mordred here I believe him to be loyal however with Morgana still out there, I can't be certain. You're destined to be the Once and Future King and it is my destiny to help you achieve that; whether you hate me or not. To fulfil my destiny I must stop Morgana. I appreciate you no longer trust me or will be seeking my opinion on matters however I don't believe killing Morgana will help in ensuring peace throughout the Kingdom due to the number of followers she's acquired. I'll be riding out at dawn to track her down and capture her. With your permission I'll keep her contained in the dungeons using magic until you decide her fate."
After several moments passed, Arthur replied. "You have my blessing. However you are to only bring her here if she is truly no threat. I won't endanger my people."
"My Lord." Bowing, Merlin turned on his heel to exit the Council Chamber but was stopped in his tracks by Arthur.
"Upon your return your services will no longer be required. You're hereby released as my manservant." His voice was flat and emotionless as he released Merlin from his service.
Unable to reply, Merlin nodded his head, not able to look the King in the eye, afraid he'd show too much emotion and left the Council Chambers.